PUTRAJAYA: The Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) has officially taken the lead in the operation of the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC), says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The Home Minister had previously stated that the NSRC did not have a lead agency, despite comprising the police, Bank Negara Malaysia, the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and the National Anti-Financial Crime Centre (NFCC).
"Two weeks ago, I, along with the police, met with the Prime Minister, stating that the police are willing to lead the NSRC, and he agreed.
"So, the police have taken the lead, effective immediately," he told reporters after the ministry's monthly assembly on Wednesday (July 16).
Saifuddin said the police need to take the reins of the NFCC, given the fact that the number of scam cases has become worrying.
"Previously, the ones manning the NSRC were appointed by Bank Negara.
"Now the NSRC will have 129 permanent staff that will handle the 997 hotline for 24 hours," he said.
He said the ministry would also explore the possibility of establishing a proper headquarters for the NSRC.
"Now it is based at the Bank Negara headquarters. Now we will look into establishing a proper headquarters (for the NSRC).
"We hope to serve the public better to curb scams.
"At the same time, awareness programmes on scams will also be intensified," he said, adding that the NSRC receives and averages 500 calls daily.
